U.S. patent application number 16/169789 was filed with the patent office on 2019-03-14 for retractor and tip extender therefor.
The applicant listed for this patent is David A. Opperman. Invention is credited to David A. Opperman.
Application Number | 20190076138 16/169789 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 65630139 |
Filed Date | 2019-03-14 |
View All Diagrams
United States Patent
Application |
20190076138 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Opperman; David A. |
March 14, 2019 |
RETRACTOR AND TIP EXTENDER THEREFOR
Abstract
A retractor used in inner-oral surgery is provided that includes
a maxilla portion configured to maintain a patient's mount in an
open state. The retractor also includes a blade that maintains the
position of the tongue so that surgical tools are not obstructed.
The maxilla portion of one embodiment only extends a portion of the
length of the blade.
Inventors: |
Opperman; David A.;
(Littleton, CO) |
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Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Opperman; David A. |
Littleton |
CO |
US |
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|
Family ID: |
65630139 |
Appl. No.: |
16/169789 |
Filed: |
October 24, 2018 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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15457404 |
Mar 13, 2017 |
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16169789 |
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62307333 |
Mar 11, 2016 |
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62593551 |
Dec 1, 2017 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61B 1/267 20130101;
A61B 1/00101 20130101; A61B 1/00089 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A61B 17/02 20060101
A61B017/02; A61B 1/267 20060101 A61B001/267 |
Claims
1. A retractor adapted for use with a laryngoscope, comprising: a
blade having a proximal end and a distal end; a maxilla portion
interconnected to the blade, wherein the maxilla portion and the
blade are curved about a longitudinal axis of the retractor that
generally corresponds to the length of the blade to provide at
least a portion of a passage adapted to selectively receive a
medical instrument; and wherein the maxilla portion has proximal
end and a distal end that define a length that is less than or
equal to 75% of the length of the blade.
2. The retractor of claim 1, wherein the distal end of the blade
has a tapered shape.
3. The retractor of claim 1, wherein the maxilla portion has a
first lateral edge and a second lateral edge interconnected to
corresponding lateral edges of the blade, the maxilla portion
having a curved surface that extends from the first lateral edge to
the second lateral edge, and wherein the arcuate surface includes
an outer portion with a longitudinal dimension greater than the
length of the first lateral edge and the second lateral edge.
4. The retractor of claim 3, wherein the proximal end of the
maxilla portion provides a lateral opening in the retractor.
5. The retractor of claim 1, wherein the distal end of the blade is
spaced from the longitudinal axis of the retractor.
6. The retractor of claim 1, further comprising a tip extender
interconnected to the distal end of the blade.
7. The retractor of claim 6, wherein the tip extender has an
opening associated with a cavity that receives the distal end of
the blade.
8. The retractor of claim 6, wherein the tip extender has a tip
with a triangular profile or a bulbous profile.
9. The retractor of claim 6, wherein the tip extender has a tip
with a selectively deformable tip portion.
10. The retractor of claim 6, wherein the tip extender is comprised
of a curved tip portion with a first leg and a second leg extending
therefrom.
11. The retractor of claim 10, wherein the first leg and the second
leg possess channels that receive outer lateral edges of the
blade.
12. The retractor of claim 10, wherein the first leg and the second
leg possess rails that are received in corresponding grooves in the
blade.
13. A retractor, comprising: a first member having a proximal end
and a distal end; a second member interconnected to the first
member, wherein at least one of the first member and the second
member are curved about a longitudinal axis of the retractor that
generally corresponds to the length of the first member to provide
a passage; and wherein the second portion has a length that is
substantially less than that of the first portion.
14. The retractor of claim 13, wherein the second portion is
selectively interconnected to the first portion.
15. The retractor of claim 13, wherein the distal end of the first
member has a tapered shape.
16. The retractor of claim 13, wherein the second member has a
first lateral edge and a second lateral edge interconnected to
corresponding lateral edges of the first member, the second member
also comprising a shaped surface that extends from a first lateral
edge to a second lateral edge of the second member, and wherein the
shaped surface includes an outermost extent with a longitudinal
dimension greater than the length of the first lateral edge and the
second lateral edge.
17. The retractor of claim 16, wherein proximal ends of the first
lateral edge and the second lateral edge are spaced from the
proximal end of the first member, wherein the second member defines
a lateral opening in the retractor.
18. The retractor of claim 13, wherein the distal end of the first
member is spaced from the longitudinal axis of the retractor.
19. The retractor of claim 13, further comprising a tip extender
interconnected to the distal end of the first member.
20. The retractor of claim 19, wherein the tip extender has an
opening associated with a cavity that receives the distal end of
the first member.
21. The retractor of claim 19, wherein the tip extender has a tip
with a triangular profile or a bulbous profile.
22. The retractor of claim 19, wherein the tip extender has a tip
with a selectively deformable tip portion.
23. The retractor of claim 19, wherein the tip extender is
comprised of a curved tip portion with a first leg and a second leg
extending therefrom.
24. The retractor of claim 23, wherein the first leg and the second
leg possess channels that the outer lateral edge of the first
member.
25. The retractor of claim 23, wherein the first leg and the second
leg possess rails that are received in corresponding grooves in the
first member.
26. A retractor adapted for use with a laryngoscope, comprising: a
blade having a proximal end and a distal end; a maxilla portion
interconnected to the blade, wherein the maxilla portion and the
blade are curved about a longitudinal axis of the retractor that
generally corresponds to the length of the blade to provide a
passage configured to selectively receive a medical instrument;
wherein the maxilla portion has proximal end and a distal end that
define a length that is substantially less than the length of the
blade; wherein the distal end of the blade has a tapered shape;
wherein the maxilla portion has a first lateral edge and a second
lateral edge interconnected to corresponding lateral edges of the
blade, the maxilla portion also comprising a shaped surface that
extends from the first lateral edge to the second lateral edge, and
wherein the shaped surface includes an outer portion that has a
longitudinal dimension greater than the length of the first lateral
edge and the second lateral edge; wherein the proximal end of the
maxilla portion provides a lateral opening in the retractor; and
wherein the distal end of the blade is spaced from the longitudinal
axis of the retractor.
27. The retractor of claim 26, further comprising a tip extender
interconnected to the distal end of the blade.
28. The retractor of claim 27, wherein the tip extender has an
opening associated with a cavity that receives the distal end of
the blade.
29. The retractor of claim 27, wherein the tip extender has a tip
with a triangular profile or a bulbous profile.
30. The retractor of claim 27, wherein the tip extender has a tip
with a selectively deformable tip portion.
Description
[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 15/457,404, filed Mar. 13, 2017, which claims
the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No.
62/307,333, filed Mar. 11, 2016, the entire disclosures of which
are incorporated by reference herein.
[0002] This application also claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Patent Application Ser. No. 62/593,551, filed Dec. 1, 2017, the
entire disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Embodiments of the present invention are generally related
to a robotic access retractor for oral cavity, oropharynx,
hypopharynx, and larynx procedures. More specifically, one
embodiment of the present invention is a retractor supported by a
gallows laryngoscope holder that facilitates the use of traditional
or robotic medical instruments. The retractor of one embodiment of
the present invention possesses, or receives, a curved tip that
facilitates lifting a patient's epiglottis for enhanced
visualization of the laryngeal introitus.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0004] Laryngoscopes are routinely used to facilitate endotracheal
intubation of patients, to provide an air passage for
administration of anesthesia, and/or to establish an airway. In
addition, laryngoscopes are commonly used in surgery to displace
pharyngeal tissues to permit direct inspection of the larynx (i.e.
direct laryngoscopy). Many laryngoscopes are L-shaped having a
handle connected to a curved or straight blade. Otolaryngologists
typically use a tube-shaped laryngoscope to view the larynx and
operate endoscopically on the true vocal cords (i.e. glottis). U.S.
Pat. Nos. 4,384,570 and 5,092,314, which are incorporated by
reference herein, discuss common laryngoscopes.
[0005] Laryngoscopes are often used with gallows-type holders that
suspend a tubular retractor that accomodates traditional or robotic
surgical instruments. The gallows holder and retractor support the
patient's head and provides a clear path for traditional or robotic
instruments to reach the larynx.
[0006] Alternatively, laryngoscopes are used, albeit less
effectively, with jaw spreaders where mouth and larynx tissue are
moved by various retractors interconnected to a peripheral
structure positioned about the patient's head. One of the
retractors interconnected to the peripheral structure is a
non-cylindrical blade designed to hold the tongue in an ideal
location. One drawback of using jaw spreaders, for example, those
manufactured by Olympus.RTM. under the trade name FK-WO TORS, is
that the retractors used are ineffective for endolaryngial
surgery.
[0007] Thus, there is a long-felt need to provide a retractor for
endolarynginal surgeries that effectively moves and maintains
pharyngeal, epiglottal, and endolaryngeal tissue so the traditional
or robotic surgical instruments (linear or flexible) can be
used.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] It is one aspect of embodiments of the present invention to
provide a retractor for use with laryngoscopes. The contemplated
retractor can accommodate traditional or robotic medical
instruments. More specifically, some embodiments of the present
invention comprise a tool that allows a robot to access a surgical
site through a patient's mouth, oropharynx, pharynx, hypopharynx,
and larynx.
[0009] It is another aspect of embodiments of the present invention
to provide a retractor with a maxilla portion for contact with a
patient's upper teeth that is shorter than a blade configured to
retract the patient's tongue. A portion of the blade may be
considered a mandibular portion that engages the patient's lower
teeth. The maxilla portion, mandibular portion, and the blade are
curved in such a way to provide a generally cylindrical passage for
the receipt of traditional or robotic medical instruments.
[0010] Common laryngoscopes and the laryngoscopes described herein,
have a tip configuration designed to be placed near the epiglottic
vallecula (i.e., the depression behind the root of a patient's
tongue behind the folds of the throat) to retract the patient's
tongue and to expose the esophagus, bottom of the tongue, and
posterior larynx. It is another aspect of some embodiments of the
present invention to provide an extended tip that increases the
degree of lift, which enhances access to patient anatomy. More
specifically, a tip extender may be provided that selectively
interconnects to the tip of a laryngoscope blade as described
herein or to any one of the laryngoscope blades being currently
used. The extended tip of the laryngoscope blade can be placed
closer to the epiglottic petiole so that the epiglottis and
anterior commisure (i.e., the attachment of the true vocal folds to
thyroid cartilage) are also retracted to provide a clear view of
the false vocal folds, true vocal folds, and glottis. As those of
ordinary skill in the art will appreciate, this functionality may
serve as a gateway to the patient's trachea and lungs. The
contemplated retractor blade and tip elevates pharyngeal and
laryngeal tissue and tilts the epiglottis to create enhanced
exposure deep inside the pharynx, larynx, and trachea. Thus, the
tip extender provides exposure to an operative field that a
flexible or curved robot can navigate and deliver instrumentation
directly to an area of interest.
[0011] It is another aspect of embodiments of the present invention
to provide a retractor adapted for use with a laryngoscope,
comprising: a blade having a proximal end and a distal end; a
maxilla portion interconnected to the blade, wherein the maxilla
portion and the blade are curved about a longitudinal axis of the
retractor that generally corresponds to the length of the blade to
provide at least a portion of a passage adapted to selectively
receive a medical instrument; and wherein the maxilla portion has
proximal end and a distal end that define a length that is less
than or equal to 75% of the length of the blade.
[0012] It is still yet another aspect of some embodiments of the
present invention to provide a retractor, comprising: a first
member having a proximal end and a distal end; a second member
interconnected to the first member, wherein at least one of the
first member and the second member are curved about a longitudinal
axis of the retractor that generally corresponds to the length of
the first member to provide a passage; and wherein the second
portion has a length that is substantially less than that of the
first portion.
[0013] It is still yet another aspect of some embodiments of the
present invention to provide a retractor adapted for use with a
laryngoscope, comprising: a blade having a proximal end and a
distal end; a maxilla portion interconnected to the blade, wherein
the maxilla portion and the blade are curved about a longitudinal
axis of the retractor that generally corresponds to the length of
the blade to provide a passage configured to selectively receive a
medical instrument; wherein the maxilla portion has proximal end
and a distal end that define a length that is substantially less
than the length of the blade; wherein the distal end of the blade
has a tapered shape; wherein the maxilla portion has a first
lateral edge and a second lateral edge interconnected to
corresponding lateral edges of the blade, the maxilla portion also
comprising a shaped surface that extends from the first lateral
edge to the second lateral edge, and wherein the shaped surface
includes an outer portion that has a longitudinal dimension greater
than the length of the first lateral edge and the second lateral
edge; wherein the proximal end of the maxilla portion provides a
lateral opening in the retractor; and wherein the distal end of the
blade is spaced from the longitudinal axis of the retractor.
[0014] The Summary of the Invention is neither intended nor should
it be construed as being representative of the full extent and
scope of the present invention. Moreover, references made herein to
"the present invention" or aspects thereof should be understood to
mean certain embodiments of the present invention and should not
necessarily be construed as limiting all embodiments to a
particular description. The present invention is set forth in
various levels of detail in the Summary of the Invention as well as
in the attached drawings and the Detailed Description of the
Invention and no limitation as to the scope of the present
invention is intended by either the inclusion or non-inclusion of
elements, components, etc. in this Summary of the Invention.
Additional aspects of the present invention will become more
readily apparent from the Detail Description, particularly when
taken together with the drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and
constitute a part of the specification, illustrate embodiments of
the invention and together with the general description of the
invention given above and the detailed description of the drawings
given below, serve to explain the principles of these
inventions.
[0016] FIG. 1 is an elevation view of a retractor of one embodiment
of the present invention positioned in a patient's mouth;
[0017] FIG. 2 is a detailed view of FIG. 1;
[0018] FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of the retractor of one
embodiment of the present invention;
[0019] FIG. 4 is a left elevation view of FIG. 3;
[0020] FIG. 5 is a top elevation view of FIG. 3;
[0021] FIG. 6 is a detailed view of FIG. 5;
[0022] FIG. 7 is a front elevation view of a retractor of one
embodiment of the present invention;
[0023] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 7;
[0024] FIG. 9 is a detail view of a retractor of one embodiment of
the present invention with interconnected tip extender;
[0025] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a tip extender of one
embodiment of the present invention;
[0026] FIG. 11 is a left elevation view of the tip extender shown
in FIG. 10;
[0027] FIG. 12 is a partial top perspective view showing the tip
extender of FIG. 9 configured to interconnect to a retractor
blade;
[0028] FIG. 13 is a partial front perspective view showing the tip
extender of FIG. 9 configured to interconnect to retractor
blade;
[0029] FIG. 14 is a right elevation view of a retractor adapted to
selectively receive the tip extender shown in FIG. 9;
[0030] FIG. 15 is an elevation view of the retractor that employs a
tip extender of one embodiment of the present invention positioned
in a patient's mouth;
[0031] FIG. 16 is a front elevation view of a tip extender
employing a triangular end profile;
[0032] FIG. 17 is a front elevation view of a tip extender
employing a triangular end profile;
[0033] FIG. 18 is a front elevation view of a tip extender
employing a bulbous end profile;
[0034] FIG. 19 is a front elevation view of a tip extender
employing a square or rectangular and profile;
[0035] FIG. 20 is a top elevation view of a tip extender of another
embodiment of the present invention interconnected to a
laryngoscope blade;
[0036] FIG. 21 is a perspective view of the tip extender shown in
FIG. 20;
[0037] FIG. 22 is a left elevation view of the tip extender shown
in FIG. 20;
[0038] FIG. 23 is a top elevation view of a tip extender of another
embodiment of the present invention similar to that shown in FIG.
20 interconnected to a laryngoscope blade;
[0039] FIG. 24 is a front elevation view of a tip extender of
another embodiment of the present invention interconnected to a
laryngoscope blade;
[0040] FIG. 25 is a perspective view of the tip extender shown in
FIG. 24; and
[0041] FIG. 26 is a top elevation view of the tip extender shown in
FIG. 24 interconnected to a laryngoscope blade.
[0042] The following component list and associated numbering found
in the drawings is provided to assist in the understanding of one
embodiment of the present invention:
TABLE-US-00001 # Component 2 Retractor 6 Blade 10 Handle 14 Mouth
18 Tip 22 Vallecula 26 Patient 30 Tongue 32 Soft Palate 34 Lower
lip 38 Tongue 40 Pharynx 42 Larynx 46 Maxilla portion 50 Mandibular
portion 54 Teeth 58 Upper lip 62 Opening 66 Passage 70 Epiglottis
74 Vocal folds 78 Side opening 82 Taper 86 Tip extender 90 Leg 94
Rail 98 End 102 Lateral Surface 106 Groove 110 Epiglottic petiole
114 Track 118 Lateral edge 122 Floor 126 Cavity
[0043] It should be understood that the drawings are not
necessarily to scale. In certain instances, details not necessary
for an understanding of the invention or that render other details
difficult to perceive may have been omitted. It should be
understood, of course, that the invention is not necessarily
limited to the particular embodiments illustrated herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0044] FIGS. 1-8 show the retractor 2 of one embodiment of the
present invention that includes a blade 6 interconnected to a
handle 10 which selectively interfaces with a gallows support. The
blade is configured to be placed in a patient's mouth 14, wherein a
blade tip 18 is placed into the patient's valleculla 22. Because
the patient 26 is lying on their back, the blade 6 serves to
prevent the tongue 34, lower lip 36 and tissue of the pharynx 40
and larynx 42 from blocking the oral cavity. The blade 6 is curved
about its longitudinal axis (A) to provide a semi-cylindrical
profile that generally contours the patient's physiology. The blade
contour also serves to raise the blade tip 18 so it can better
interface with the valleculla 22. The blade 6 is also curved at the
tip at an angle (.THETA.) relative to the longitudinal axis of the
retractor. The retractor includes a maxilla portion 46 and
mandibular portion 50 configured to maintain a patient's mouth open
by interfacing with their teeth 54 and upper lip 58 and lower lip
34. The maxilla portion 46 is generally cylindrical, thereby
providing an opening 62 and a passage 66 that receives and
accommodates robotic or traditional surgical instruments. One of
ordinary skill in the art will appreciate the maxilla and/or
mandibular portions may possess a faceted outer profile and not
have smooth surfaces as shown.
[0045] As shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 7 and 8, the maxilla portion of one
embodiment of the present invention does not extend to a point
adjacent to the blade tip 18. In contrast, prior art tools used in
manual, or in some robotic, surgeries require line-of-sight and,
thus, possess an elongated maxilla portion to support oral cavity
tissue. As will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art,
before the advent of modern articulating, curved, or
flexiblesurgical tools, there was no motivation to extend surgical
tool length to accommodate surgeries posterior to the epiglottic
valleculla 22. Indeed, extending prior art tools to engage and hold
the epiglottis 70 would provide the surgeon an inferior
line-of-sight to the patient's vocal folds 74 (i.e., vocal cords).
The extended tubular nature of the prior art maxilla/mandibular
portions coupled with the angle of insertion required by rigid or
straight prior art tools would locate the end of the tool closer to
the rear portion of the patient's throat. Surgeons using prior art
manual and some rigid robotic tools would have to apply force to
the patient's head to address this drawback and expose areas of
interest. Prior art manual and straight/rigid robotic surgical
tools simply do not have the capability to comfortably accommodate
patient physiology in a way that provides a surgeon the maximum
operative options. Modern surgical tools, which have curved or
flexible portions do not require the level of tissue support
previously needed. In addition, use of an elongated tube may
adversely affect the functionality of a flexible robotic tool by
limiting degrees of freedom. Further, newer robotic surgical tools,
which do not require line-of-sight and which can articulate, flex,
and bend, do not suffer drawbacks of the prior art, including the
need to force the patient's head to gain visual access to the
surgical sight. Accordingly, in some embodiments of the present
invention the length of the maxilla portion (L.sub.2) is less than
half the length of the blade (L.sub.1), which provides a surgeon
using flexible robotic instruments and systems enhanced access to a
multitude of previously-unattainable areas of the patient's larynx
42.
[0046] To further enhance robotic surgeries, some embodiments of
the present invention provide a maxilla portion that has at least
one side opening 78 to accommodate lateral (e.g. side-to-side)
motion of modern surgical tools. The side opening(s) may also be
used to accommodate accessory instruments such as a suction
catheter, clamp, or suturing tool to be passed through the maxilla
portion 46 into the oral cavity. Those of ordinary skill in the art
will appreciate that some robotic tools and surgical procedures do
not require a side opening and, thus, this feature may be omitted.
In addition, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the tip of one embodiment
of the present invention is tapered 82, which facilitates the use
of some robotic surgical instruments.
[0047] FIGS. 9-26 show a tip extender 86 configured to interconnect
to an existing blade tip that allows the surgeon to lift the
patient's epiglottis, which provides enhanced visualization access
to the patient's larynx, posterior arytenoid area, trachea,
etc.
[0048] FIGS. 10-15 show the general concepts contemplated by one
embodiment of the present invention that employs a selectively
interconnected tip extender 86 adapted to mate with at least one of
the blade and blade tip of existing laryngoscope retractors. The
tip extender 86 shown in FIG. 10 includes a pair of legs 90 that
possess and inwardly-disposed rail 94. Connecting the legs 90 is a
shaped end 98 that effectively increases the length of the blade
and its tip curvature, which allows the surgeon to restrain the
patient's epiglottis or other desired anatomical structures. The
rail 94 of each leg 90 is configured to interface with a lateral
surface 102/groove 106 provided on each side of the blade.
Accordingly, the tip extender 86 is prevented from rotating when
secured to the blade about the blade's longitudinal axis.
[0049] The legs of one embodiment of the present invention are
biased inwardly, wherein interconnecting the tip extender 86 to the
blade will flex the legs 90 outwardly, thereby creating an
interference fit between the two components that effectively
secures the tip extender 86 to the blade. As shown in FIGS. 13 and
14, the rails 94 are selectively received by corresponding grooves
106 or slots integrated into the blade's lateral surface 102. This
feature contemplates a single use such that after the procedure the
tip extender 86 is removed from the blade 6 and discarded. The tip
extender 86 may alternatively be made of plastic, metal, or
comparable material that can be sterilized and reused. Other
embodiments of the present invention provide a more permanent
retrofit by mechanically securing the tip extender to the blade by
welds, bonding agents, set screws, etc.
[0050] FIG. 15 shows a retractor blade 6 with interconnected tip
extender 86 that lifts the epiglottis 70 for enhanced visualization
of the laryngeal introitus. As one of ordinary skill will
appreciate, the tip extender 86, which has an end configured to
rest near the patient's epiglottic petiole 110, provides an
enhanced degree of lift. Here, the patient's tongue 30, epiglottis
70, and anterior commisure are restrained to provide a clear view
of the patient's false vocal folds, true vocal folds 74, glottis,
and deep into the patient's glottis and trachea.
[0051] FIGS. 16-19 show different tip extender end configurations
contemplated by some embodiments of the present invention. Those of
ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that many more tip
configurations may be used to accommodate a wide variety of
patients. FIGS. 16 and 17 comprise triangular-shaped ends. FIG. 18
comprises a tip extender 86 with a bulbous end and FIG. 19 provides
a tip extender with a rectangular-shaped end. Again, the end can be
of any shape and maybe moldable and set to a final form prior to
surgery. Furthermore, some ends comprise removable portions that
allow the surgeon to selectively modify tip shape. The end may
include lights, a recording device, a probe, a medicine delivery
means, a camera, etc. to help the surgeon visually appreciate and
treat a given portion of the patient's anatomy.
[0052] FIGS. 20-22 show a simplified, horseshoe-shaped tip extender
86 of another embodiment of the present invention. The tip extender
80 employs legs 90 that selectively engage the lateral surface or
edge of a laryngoscope blade and can include a rail as described
above. More commonly, however, this embodiment comprises an
internally-disposed track 114 that receives the lateral edge of a
blade. The legs 90 of the tip extender 86 may be biased inwardly as
described above to provide an interference fit between the tip
extender and the blade. Alternatively, the track 114 or inner
surface of the tip extender 86 may comprise a compliant surface
that helps grip the lateral surface or lateral edge 118 of the
blade 6. If a permanent interconnection is desired, the tip
extender 86 can be welded, bonded, or otherwise interconnected to
the blade as described above.
[0053] FIG. 23 shows a tip extender of yet another embodiment of
the present invention somewhat similar to that shown in FIGS.
21-22, but which includes a floor 122 provided between the legs.
The floor acts as a spoon to facilitate holding the epiglottis. In
addition, the floor may be used to accommodate tip ends as shown in
FIG. 16-19. In some embodiments of the present invention, the floor
is used to accommodate a moldable tip end.
[0054] FIGS. 24-26 show yet another embodiment of the present
invention. Here, the tip extender 86 includes a cavity 126 adapted
selectively receive the tip 6 of a laryngoscope retractor blade 6.
The tip extender 86 may be secured to the blade 6 in any of the
ways discussed herein.
[0055] While various embodiments of the present invention have been
described in detail, it is apparent that modifications and
alterations of those embodiments will occur to those skilled in the
art. It is to be expressly understood that such modifications and
alterations are within the scope and spirit of the present
invention, as set forth in the following claims. Further, it is to
be understood that the invention(s) described herein is not limited
in its application to the details of construction and the
arrangement of components set forth in the preceding description or
illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other
embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in
various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and
terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and
should not be regarded as limiting. The use of "including,"
"comprising," or "having" and variations thereof herein is meant to
encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as
well as additional items.
* * * * *